In this article (6)
In short
- A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on metro, trams and buses within the city zone.
- Since 2026 paper tickets are gone: tap a contactless card or phone at the gates, in and out.
- Five metro lines cover the city; Rho Fiera is on the red M1 and included in the urban fare.
Milan is one of the easiest Italian cities to get around without a car. The metro is fast and frequent, trams cover the gaps, and since 2026 you don’t even need to buy a ticket: your bank card is enough. Here’s what you need to know.
The five metro lines
| Line | Colour | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Red | Duomo, Cadorna, Rho Fiera, Lotto |
| M2 | Green | Centrale, Garibaldi, Navigli (Porta Genova) |
| M3 | Yellow | Duomo, Centrale, Porta Romana |
| M4 | Blue | San Babila, Linate airport |
| M5 | Lilac | Garibaldi, CityLife, Portello, San Siro |
Trains run roughly from 6 am to 12:30 am. At peak times they come every 2-4 minutes, in the evening every 7-10. Timetables can change on holidays and during strikes, so check the ATM Milano app before heading out.
Tickets in 2026: what changed
Since 1 January 2026, paper tickets are no longer sold or accepted. You have three options:
- Contactless card or phone: tap in and tap out at the metro gates. The system works out the cheapest fare for your day.
- ATM Milano app: buy and validate digital tickets.
- RicaricaMi: a rechargeable card sold at stations.
A standard ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on metro, trams and buses within the urban zone, including Rho Fieramilano. Children under 14 travel free.
Tip: always use the same card or phone to tap in and out. If you switch devices, the system can’t match your journey and may charge you a flat fee.
Trams and buses
Trams are a pleasant way to see the city, especially the historic line 1 cars. On trams and buses you also tap your card on the reader when you board.
Airport transfers
- Linate: the M4 blue line goes straight from the city centre (San Babila) to the airport in about 15 minutes.
- Malpensa: the Malpensa Express runs to Cadorna and Centrale in about 40-50 minutes. It’s a separate ticket, around €15.
- Bergamo (Orio al Serio): coaches from Milano Centrale, about an hour.
Taxis and night journeys
Taxis are white and can’t be hailed easily on the street: use the ranks or an app. After the metro closes, night buses cover the main metro routes.
Getting around from Portello
If you stay at Teodorico Apartments Milano, Viale Teodorico 7, the nearest station is Portello (M5), about a 10-minute walk; Lotto (M1 and M5) is one stop away. Door-to-door times:
| From here to… | How | Door to door |
|---|---|---|
| Duomo | M5 + M1, change at Lotto | 30-35 min |
| San Siro stadium | M5 from Portello, direct | 25 min |
| Rho Fiera | M5 + M1, change at Lotto | 35 min |
| Porta Garibaldi | M5 from Portello, direct | 25 min |
| Milano Centrale | metro, one change | 30-35 min |
| Linate airport | M5 + M1 + M4 | 50 min |
Fiera Milano City and Allianz MiCo are about 13 minutes away on foot. For more on the area, read our guide to an apartment near Fiera Milano City.
Read also: From Milan’s airports to Portello, CityLife and Fiera Milano City · Area C and Area B in Milan: a guide for drivers
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for the Milan metro with my bank card?
Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone at the gate when you enter and when you exit. The system charges the best fare for the day.
How do I get from Malpensa to the city?
The Malpensa Express train runs to Cadorna and Centrale in about 40-50 minutes. From Cadorna you can take the M1 or M2.
Do children pay?
Children under 14 travel free on the Milan urban network.
